Hillary Clinton doing first 'grassroots event' with Kamala Harris on Monday

Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY
·2 min read

WASHINGTON – Hillary Clinton is doing her first "grassroots event" with Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday, as Democrats hope to be the first party to put a woman in the White House – even as the No. 2.

"We'll talk about the Biden-Harris team's plans to get our country back on track, how all of us can help elect Democrats down-ballot, and maybe even those Chucks," Clinton tweeted Wednesday in reference to the low-rise Chuck Taylor All-Stars that received much social media attention when Harris wore them during a campaign trip to Wisconsin Monday.

In May, Clinton helped raise $2 million for a joint fundraising committee for the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee, according to Politico.

The campaign declined to provide additional details about Monday's virtual fundraiser. The event link Clinton tweeted says "most people are chipping in $25!"

Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris points to her Chuck Taylor All-Stars during a campaign stop in Milwaukee on Sept. 7, 2020.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris points to her Chuck Taylor All-Stars during a campaign stop in Milwaukee on Sept. 7, 2020.

The Biden campaign outraised the Trump campaign in August. Harris – as well as her husband – have been doing a steady stream of virtual fundraisers since joining the ticket.

When Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention last month, she praised Harris' toughness.

"I know a thing or two about the slings and arrows coming her way," said Clinton, who lost her 2016 attempt to become the first female president. "Kamala can handle them all."

President Donald Trump singled Harris out during a campaign rally in North Carolina Tuesday, saying: "People don't like her."

"She could never be the first woman president," Trump said. "That would be an insult to our country."

Women's groups have said one lesson they learned from 2016 is that they need to forcefully respond to any criticism or coverage they believe is unfair.

EMILY's List, the political action committee that elevates pro-choice Democratic women, has already run ads to "push back against the racist and sexist attacks" against Harris.

"We refuse to sit by while she faces discriminatory and false attacks," Melissa Williams, executive director of EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE!, said when announcing a seven-figure advertising expenditure for Harris.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hillary Clinton to discuss Kamala Harris' 'Chucks' at fundraiser